Why ASTM A36 Steel Plate Is a Global Export Favourite
In today’s industrial landscape, ASTM A36 steel plates are one of the most globally traded carbon steel grades, known for their ductility, versatility, and low-cost fabrication across general construction, fabrication, machinery, and equipment applications.
At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we regularly receive export queries from buyers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Europe — all requesting ready-stocked or cut-to-size A36 steel plates for urgent project deliveries.
✅ Whether it’s for structural beams in Dubai, base plates in Tanzania, machine parts in Malaysia, or heavy fabrication in Brazil — ASTM A36 delivers universal machinability and price flexibility.
But the export process requires more than just supplying steel — it demands precision in paperwork, packaging, HS codes, test certificates, and customs compliance.
Export Buyer Scenario – Real Emotion, Real Expectations
A project buyer in Abu Dhabi urgently needs 100 MT of ASTM A36 plates, cut in sizes 2500 × 6000 mm, ready for welding into structural base frames for a desalination project.
The tender has a fixed delivery window. The buyer is tense — they’ve been burnt before by vendors who delayed shipments, submitted incomplete documentation, or messed up customs declarations.
So now, every box must be ticked:
- ✔ Is the HS Code clearly declared?
- ✔ Is the Packing List & Invoice accurate?
- ✔ Is the MTC/EN 10204 3.1 certificate enclosed?
- ✔ Are heat numbers and batch traceability clearly marked?
- ✔ Has the packaging been sea-worthy export grade?
This is where Hindustan Steel steps in — not just as a plate supplier, but as a trusted export partner.
Export Packaging – How We Ship ASTM A36 Plates Safely
When shipping globally, the export packing of A36 plates makes a massive difference. Improper packing can cause:
- Plate bending or warping
- Rusting during transit (especially in monsoon or sea routes)
- Rejection at unloading ports due to ID mismatch
To prevent this, we ensure:
- Rust-Proof Wrapping: With oil-coated or VCI wrapping
- Edge Protection: With steel corner guards
- Bundle Numbering: Heat-numbered, size-coded tagging
- Palletized (if small size): For containerized loads
- Liftable bundles: For crane handling or forklift
📸 We even share pre-dispatch packaging photos with buyers to maintain transparency.
Packaging Options Available for A36 Export
| Packaging Type | Best For | Export Route |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bundle | Domestic or nearby GCC | Truck or short sea |
| Wooden Box (if cut pieces) | Small parts, laser cut orders | LCL shipments |
| VCI + Palletized | Humid or moisture-prone routes | SEA via containers |
| Oil-Wrapped Loose Plates | Heavy thickness or Q+T condition | Break-bulk shipments |
HS Code for ASTM A36 Steel Plate
Every export transaction must declare the correct HS Code (Harmonized System Code) to ensure customs clearance, duties, and tax compliance.
Here’s the standard HS code used:
- HS Code for ASTM A36 Plate: 7208.51.00
- Description: Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, in coils
In some countries, further sub-classifications apply based on thickness, surface condition, or end-use. Our team helps clarify this during proforma invoice issuance.
📝 Tip: Always match your HS code with the buyer’s country code to avoid port hold-ups.
Export Documentation Checklist for ASTM A36 Plate Shipments
We provide a full set of export documents to ensure zero port rejections and full buyer confidence:
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🧾 Commercial Invoice | For customs & payment proof |
| 📦 Packing List | For identification of bundles/sizes/weights |
| 📄 MTC (EN 10204 3.1) | Mill Test Certificate with chemical/mech data |
| 📠 Certificate of Origin (COO) | Issued by Chamber of Commerce (India) |
| 📋 Inspection Certificate | On buyer request (SGS/BV/TUV) |
| 📦 Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Shipping proof |
| 📎 Third-party Test Report (Optional) | For critical projects or EPC audits |
Need Third-Party Inspection? We Facilitate It.
For projects involving defense, oil & gas, nuclear or export tenders, we coordinate with:
- SGS / TUV / BV / DNV / LLOYDS
- Ensure plates are witnessed-tested
- Issue inspection certificate along with MTC
Export Buyer FAQ
- What is the HS Code of ASTM A36 Steel Plate for export?
A. 7208.51.00 — hot-rolled carbon steel plate, non-coated, over 600mm wide. - Can you provide test certificates and origin docs for customs?
A. Yes — we provide full MTC, Certificate of Origin, and packing list with heat numbers. - What thicknesses are export-ready in stock?
A. 6mm to 100mm — as per our carbon steel plate range
Your Trusted Export Partner for ASTM A36 Plates
At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we don’t just export plates — we export assurance.
✔ Ready stock of A36 in 6mm–100mm
✔ Cutting, blasting, oiling available
✔ Full customs documentation
✔ Export support for UAE, Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe
✔ Containerized & bulk shipping
📩 Contact us now or email sales@hindustansteel.com for your A36 export inquiry.